I’m in Berlin for two weeks, working on a project at Uferstudios. Today has been a day off, and I have been strolling the neighboorhood with my microphone. This recording is done at the pathway along the Panke river, near Stockholmner strasse.
The borough of Gesundbrunnen developed in the late 19th century as a working-class district. It is structured similarly to Nedre Nygård in Bergen, but covers a larger area. Apparently Gesundbrunnen has the highest percentage of non-German residents of any Berlin locality, but this is a fact that is difficult to trace in field recordings from these surroundings.
Even though it’s cold, there is a sense of early spring. The light feels brighter than at home, and there is a lot of bird activity.
The soundscape appears to be louder and more intense than in many similar locations that I have recorded previosuly. There are several roads in the vicinity, tramways, and the Tegel airport is close enough that the sound of airplanes is fairly loud. Still, I am surprised when I measure the sound levels to be as much as 75 dB.